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Welcome to Life Images by Jill

Welcome to Life Images by Jill.........Stepping into the light and bringing together the images and stories of our world.Through my blog I am seeking to preserve images and memories of the beautiful world in which we live and the people in it. I am a Freelance Journalist and Photographer based in Bunbury, Western Australia. My published work specialises in Western Australian travel articles and stories about inspiring everyday people. My passion is photography, writing, travel, wildflower and food photography. I hope you enjoy scrolling through my blog. To visit other pages, please click on the tabs above, or go to my Blog Archive on the side bar. Please feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of any of my posts. I value your messages and look forward to hearing from you.If you like my work, and would like to buy a print, or commission me for some work, please go to my "contact me" tab. Thank you for visiting my blog and helping me "step into the light".

Welcome!

PLEASE CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO GO TO MY RED BUBBLE STORE.

Monday, 27 March 2017

Someinspiration for you today and a look at the Tree Street Art Safari.

It's so important to love what you do, embrace your passions, and spend time doing what it is that moves you, what makes you uniquely you, and in doing so spread the joy. Your passion will show in your work. If we are happy in what we are doing, some of that will rub off on the people around us. We only get one shot at each day, so make it a good one.

My photography is evolvinginto a different place. I'm following to see where it leads me. I hope you follow where your path beckons too.

Last Saturday I visited the Tree Street Art Safari which is centered around the beautiful heritage houses in what is known as the Tree Street area of Bunbury. Artists and residents open their homes to display their own art work or host the art work of others. These artists are obviously following their own individual artistic paths and loving what they do.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to get around to see all of the artists, but these are a few of those who I did visit.

First off I visited Jeana Castelli who is an Australian landscape and seascape artist. Originally painting in oils, Jeana told me she has recently been painting with acrylics. She has been exploring and experimenting with various techniques and a variety of mediums and processes to create texture and outcomes in her work. You can see some of Jeana's work on her Facebook page - Jeana Castelli on Facebook

Next on my list was Denise Gillies, from Lyndendale Gallery, and Lynne Mitchell who are printmakers and mixed media artists both from the Ferguson Valley and members of the South West Printmakers. Their work is influenced by the natural environment and landscapes and vary in styles from representational to abstract.

Denise is agenerous supporter of other artists through her Gallery on Crooked Brook Road in Dardanup. You can see more of Denise and Lynne's work at the Dardanup Art Trail later in April.

Next I visited Neil Turner's art space. Neil was away at an exhibition in Brisbane but I had the opportunity to chat to his photographer wife, Sue-Ellen.

Originally a farmerin the wheatbelt, Neil has been turning and sculpting timber for over 34 years.Neil is well known internationally for his beautiful wood artistry, but also produces functional pieces from locally sourced woods that we all can enjoy.

I was very pleased to be able to catch up with Deanna Mosca before she took her exhibition to Melbourne.

I met Deanna recently at the Stirling Street Arts Centre where she works and tutors.Her work under the label D_Ranged, is in the style of pop and urban art, reflecting ideas on popular culture.

This series of portraits which Deanna is taking to Melbourne are painted with acrylic ink on raw canvas and linen, with strategically drawn threads adding another dimension to her work. The eyes in these portraits draw you in, and they reflect a vulnerability and fragility.

Next up I visitedHelena Sahm who I met at a Summer School workshop in January. Helena explores the built environment in her work, using a combination of recycled and new materials, particularly paper and cardboard, in three and two dimensional works.

As part of her art practise Helena makes amazing sculptures from recycled cardboard boxes.

I also visited my friend Jane Flowerfrom Folios and Fibre. Jane is well known for her eco-dyeing and conducts workshops throughout the south west. I have attended several of her workshops in eco-dyeing, book making and Japanese Boro-bag making over the last couple of years.

Jane practises the gentle art of eco-dyeing using Australian plants. There are no
chemicals used in her dyeing process which is entirely natural and can be
considered “slow” art. Jane uses ecologically sustainable dyeing
practices using the leaves and flowers of native plants to dye and print
onto silk and other textiles. The results are alchemic and individual –
no two pieces are the same. I am really fascinated by the serendipitous nature of eco-dying and am looking forward to learning more from Jane.

Also part of the Art Safari was an Architectural Tour with architect Kent Lyon around the Tree Street area, exploring the history of the area, and discussing the changes and highlights of a century of design.

At St Boniface Cathedral you could take time out by listening to the Canto Belles and Silver Tones, and at "Nana's House" you could sit and chat and enjoy a cup of tea in the Interactive Tea Tent, constructed from salvaged knitted and crocheted blankets.

I only managed to scratch the surface of the Art Safari which was on from 11am till 5pm. I heard from one of the artists yesterday that 600 people came through her art space, which shows how popular the initiative is.The Tree Street Art Safari is a wonderful opportunity for artisans in Bunbury to display their work. You can read more on Facebook here -Tree Street Art Safari on Facebook

The next local art event in our area is the Ferguson Valley Art Spectacular and Art Trail from Saturday April 29 till Sunday May 7, 2017. For more information Dardanup Art Spectacular

I will be exhibiting at Lyndendale Gallery where I will have a range of my images for sale, as well as greeting cards and my images printed on cushions and tote bags.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week! And like the message on one of my new range of greeting cards says - be true to yourself.

Thank
you so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed my little look at the Tree Street Art Safari. I value your comments and look forward to
hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return. Have a
wonderful week. I
am linking up to the link-ups below. Please click on the links to
see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at
its best!

Monday, 20 March 2017

Autumn is creeping in to our corner of Western Australia. Whilst the days are still warm, they are without the brutal burning heat of summer, and the mornings and evenings have a crisp coolness to them. I welcome this coolness and cloudy days as it signals to me the start of bush-walking season.

A couple of weekends ago we revisited the Old Timberline Trail in the St John Brook Conservation Park near Nannup in Western Australia's south west. As we walked we were enveloped by eucalyptus perfume.

Walking along the Old Timberline Trail it is hard to
imagine its past. The echoes of axes and saws, the thud of falling trees, the
shouts of work men, and the rumbling of the timber trains over the lines have all
gone. Now only birdsong or the rustling of a kangaroo in the bushes breaks the
silence. Wildflowers brighten the undergrowth beneath the jarrah trees, and the flash
of blue and red of a tiny wren lands and then is gone in an instant.

First settled by Europeans in 1857, Nannup’s history revolves around the timber industry and the opening of the railway line in 1909.

The Timberline Trail is a moderately easy 20
kilometre walk and cycle trail between Nannup and Cambray Siding, following part
of an extensive network of disused forestry railway lines which once
transported timber hauled by wood fired steam driven locomotives from bush
camps to Barrabup Timber Mill and then to Busselton Jetty for export during the
early 20th Century.

The Trail, which can be broken into sections making it ideal
for day or overnight walks, is marked by white triangular signs displaying an
axe. Interpretive signage along the way
gives walkers a historical insight into the timber industry and the life of the
timber cutters. The majority of the
railway sleepers have been removed but a few can still be seen along the
Trail.

The first 10 kilometre section starts at the old railway
bridge in Nannup, crossing the Blackwood River near the caravan park and winding its way to the
Workman’s Pool campsite. From here it is 1.2 kilometres to Barrabup Pool where
there are camp sites higher up away from the water. Then 4 kilometres to
Sleeper Hewer’s camp where there is a timber overnight hut. From there it is 4.8 kilometres to Cambray
Siding.

The St John Brook Conservation Park helps to preserve the
riverine ecosystem and biodiversity of sheoak, bull banksia, jarrah and marri
trees, swamp peppermint and wonnich scrub which supports around 38 bird
species, eleven mammals and many other creatures. You will notice the changes in vegetation as
you walk along the trail. Although spring is the best time for wildflowers, there is always something flowering in the Australian bush. In June look for Banded Greenhood
Orchids growing in an old stumps by the track.

Between Workman’s Pool and Barrabup Pool, the Trail follows
the ridge line above the Brook and then down through stands of wattle trees.

Barrabup Mill was built in this area in 1908, employing 150
men and producing 75 square metres of timber per day. The mill and township ceased to exist when
the mill was moved to Nannup in 1925.

A picnic area and platform overlooks tranquil Barrabup Pool.
This pool was once for the exclusive use of the Mill Manager’s family,
while the workers used Workman’s Pool. It
is now a popular swimming, recreation and picnic area. There is a path suitable for wheelchairs and prams, and also toilet
facilities.

Barrabup Pool

From Barrabup Pool a bridge crosses St John’s Brook and
climbs up through jarrah and banksia trees to join the old railway track on the
ridge line above the Brook. It is a
shady easy walk. Not far along the track
deviates towards the Brook before looping back to the Potato Patch where
vegetables were once grown and transported to the Barrabup Mill Store by horse
and cart.

The Potato Patch

After walking through an area of dryandra and a section
dominated by tall pineapple bushes, the track deviates to the right off the
main trail and goes steeply down to the Brook leading you to a disused timber
railway bridge spanning the gully. The
bridge was constructed by manual labour over 80 years ago. The huge beams were hewn
from trees at the site and the bridge built following rough plans that were
revised as the bridge progressed. Please
be aware of caution signs and do not venture out onto the bridge.

disused timber railway bridge

From here the trail passes through an old rail cutting and brings you to Sleeper Hewer's camp situated above
two wide pools of the Brook. The fully enclosed overnight hut can accommodate
4-6 people on wooden bunks, and there are also tent sites. There is a water
tank at the hut, but I would recommend carrying water with you.

As the railways expanded, so did the demand for railway
sleepers. Prior to World War 1 there were around 800 sleeper cutters working in
the bush along the railway line between Nannup and Busselton. A sleeper cutter would be away from home a
week at a time, living on basic food supplies and sleeping in canvas tents or
simple wooden shelters in the bush.

The camp is a tranquil place where bird watchers will enjoy the variety of bird life. If
you stay overnight you may spot Brushtail Possums and hear the Tawny
Frogmouth and Banjo frogs.

Sleeper Hewer's Hut

From the hut it is as easy walk to Cambray Siding. Whilst little remains at Cambray Siding, you
can see where the “navvy gangs” who travelled the railway lines repairing the
tracks once lived.

You can also see evidence of how the timber fellers worked,
felling 30 metres high and two metres wide trees by axe and saw whilst standing
on a plank inserted above the base of the tree. This required strength, skill
and fearlessness, making the timber fellers the glamour men of the industry.

Tree stump showing cuts where planks were inserted

From here it is only a couple of minutes to the parking area
and the intersection with the old Nannup to Wonnerup railway line and the
Sidings Rail Trail. Part of the Munda Biddi bike trail from Perth to Albany,
this dual use cycle and walking trail runs from Jarrahwood to Nannup.

It is approximately 15 kilometres from here back to Nannup
along the Sidings Trail, or you could arrange transport to pick you up at
Cambray for your return to Nannup.

disused railway near old Cambray siding

St John’s Brook is thought to have been a travel route for
the Aboriginal Noongar people. It is believed that Nannup means ‘a place to stop and
rest’. You can certainly still do that today in Nannup. Nestled on the banks of
the Blackwood River surrounded by forests and rolling farmland, Nannup is a quiet place to take time out.

The Nannup Visitor Centre can give you details of other
walks in the area, several of which start near the Visitor Centre, including
the Heritage Town Walk and Kondil Wildflower Walk. You can also canoeing and
fish in the Blackwood River or just relax with a book and a glass of local
wine. Well known for its gardens, the annual Nannup Flower and Garden Festival featuring
tulips and daffodils, bring visitors to Nannup every year.

Nannup on a quiet Sunday afternoon

Whilst in Nannup, be on the look out for the famed Nannup
Tiger – the Thylacine – the largest known carnivorous marsupial, it is now
officially extinct, although stories still abound of its existence in the
forests around Nannup. Perhaps you may
see one along the Timberline Trail.

INFORMATION BOX

Where is it:
Nannup is located approximately 60 kilometres south-east of Busselton on the
Vasse Highway.

The “Old Timberline
Trail” is a 20 kilometre walk and cycle trail which commences from the old
railway bridge at the end of Brockman Street near the Nannup Visitor Centre,
travels through St John’s Conservation Park and ends at Cambray Siding.

Thank
you so much for stopping by. I hope you have enjoyed this walk down the old Timberline Trail. I value your comments and look forward to
hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return. Have a
wonderful week. I
am linking up to the link-ups below. Please click on the links to
see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at
its best!

About Me

I completed a Higher Diploma of Advanced Freelance Journalism with the Australian College of Journalism and started writing freelance in 2002. I have had articles published in Australian Coast & Country, Go Camping Australia, On The Road, Flourish, Perth Vita, Australian Vital, Australian Photography, Western Angler, Homes and Living, Great Walks magazine, RRR Network News (for rural, remote and regional women in Western Australia), South Culture magazine and Bunbury's South Western Times newspaper. I completed the WA Holiday Specialist Training Programme run by Tourism Western Australia and attended several Summer School photography courses at University of Western Australia Extension, and a Bunbury TAFE Digital Photography course. I have completed several on line photography courses, and contribute to Digital Photography School, Flickr, and Getty Images.
I am a member of the Photography Group of Bunbury, The WA Photographic Federation, South Side Quills and the Fellowship of Australian Writers WA.
I enjoy photographing our magnificent country and seek to continually improve. I hope you enjoy my writing and photography.

Links to my web pages

Tour Western Australia - Come for a drive with me!

Come with me on a 52 week tour around Western Australia. Click on the photo to go to my page Tour Western Australia and follow me over 52 weeks as I take you on a tour around our magnificent state of Western Australia in words and pictures.

Photographing wildflowers

The Blue Leschenaultia is just one Western Australia's thousands of amazing wildflowers. Spring is my favourite time but walking through the bush at any time of year you will find something flowering. If you would like to see more of my wildflower images, please click on this photo to take you to my Flickr site. If you see any images that you wish to purchase, please contact me

My Flickr Photo Page

Getty Images

I am now a contributor to Getty Images, through an invitation through Flickr. Click on the image to go to the linlk.

FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

To keep up with my latest food images please click on this image to go to my Flickr food page. If you see something you like, or would like me to do some food photography for you be it for your website, restaurant, magazine or cook book, please contact me.

Ferguson Valley Plated

In 2015 Jill was one of the food photographers for Ferguson Valley Plated, launched in October 2015, through a collaboration with Kim Wesley from Peppermint Lane Lodge.

The Runaway Quill

The Runaway Quill, which was launched in August 2016, is an anthology of writing from Bunbury's South Side Quills writers group, of which Jill is a member. Copies are $20. Please let me know if you would like to purchase one.

Against the Light 2015

Jill won the Against the Light 2015 photographic competition conducted by the WA Photographic Federation in September 2015 with this image seen on the cover of the book.

Photography Group of Bunbury Awards

2015 - 3rd place Photographer of the Year, Highly Commended Colour Image of the Year

Donnybrook-Balingup Shire 2016 calendar

Go Camping and 4WD Adventures Australia

My cover image from the Holland Track on the cover of Go Camping and 4WD Adventures Australia August-September 2013 edition. Please click on the image to go to my blog post about the Holland Track.

Go Camping Australia magazine

My cover image from the Great Central Road , Western Australia on the cover of Go Camping Australia magazine Feb-March 2013. Please clilck on the image to go to the Go Camping website.

Exploring WA's WIldflower Country

Jill's images are displayed on the front and back covers and inside. Edition 7, 2015.

Australian Coast &Country magazine

My cover image of the Thrombolites at Lake Clifton, Mandurah, West Australia. Australian Coast and Country magazine, Edition 1-2008

Communal Global

I am very excited to be invited to join the Communal Global community. Please click on the link below to see images from around the world from other contributors.

Communal Global

Life's Journey

It is not what life does to you that is important, but what you do with what life does to you. - Chinese saying.

Frangipani

This Frangipani in my garden has just started to flower after many years. Sometimes it can take years to create something beautiful. The journey can be as beautiful as the end result.

The sunshine in my life

My family and friends are the most precious part of my life. Like the sunflower the tiny pieces of our lives fit together to complete the whole. I thank them for their love, encouragement and support and for being the special people they are. This photo was taken in Monet's Garden at Giverney in France.

Footprints

You can always find something to photograph, like this trail we found on the beach in the Cape Range National Park. It's a snapshot of a life, just as special as our own.

Sturt Desert Pea

Sturt Desert Pea near Marble Bar in the Pibara.

Everlastings

White Wells, mid-west Western Australia

Eucalypt

Simplicity in the Dryandra Woodland, Western Austraia

Wreath Leschenaultia

This unique wildflower only grows in a small area of Western Australia. We saw this one along Sanderson Road in the Mid West.

Crimson Spider Orchid

Blue Lady Orchid

Donkey Orchid

We have a patch of bush near our home, where I search for wild orchids, like this donkey orchid.

Native Cornflower

Jibberding Nature Reserve, Western Australia

Leopard Orchid

Leopard Orchid seen along the old Ellensbrook Road near the historical Ellensbrook Homestead near Margaret River.

Boronia

Haddleton Nature Reserve, Western Australia

Wattle

The wattle must surely be the most widespread family of Australian Wildflowers, with 100's of varieties. This one was seen at Canna Dam in WA's midwest.

Southern Native Rose

Tuart Walk near Bunbury.

Goodenia

Great Northern Highway, Western Australia

Mulla Mulla

There are many varieties of Mulla Mulla. This delicate variety we found at the abandoned Ragged Hill Minesite, on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert in the Pilbara

Silver Cassia

A burst of yellow on the Morawa to Yalgoo Road in the Mid West.

Thank you....

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you have enjoyed seeing some of my world. Our connections enrich our lives through reaching out , seeing and understanding, learning from each other, having compassion, rejoycing, giving thanks, and experiencing the beautiful world in which we live and the people we meet along our journey. Thank you for joining me along my path.

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Digital Photography School

If you want to learn more about digital photography, work through tutorials, enter competitions, post your photos, have your photos critiqued, talk to other photographers, ask questions and get answers on just about anything about photography - here is the place for you - Digital Photography School. I have joined recently, it's free, and a great site. Click on the photo to enter or go to my website links.

Forever in our hearts

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For the love of flowers

I love photographing flowers - both in the wild and in my garden - so spring is my favourite time of year and the chance to go in search of wildflowers. Walking through the bush at any time of year you will find something flowering. If you would like to see some more of my flower photos please click on this photo to go to my Picasa site or scroll up the page to my Flickr page.

The Rose

The rose is the enduring symbol of love and friendship. It is also like the circle of life. It starts as a tiny bud that gradually unfolds, grows, changes, evolves, and then blooms to display its full potential and radiance. Just like our lives - as we grow and are nurtured, we gently unfold and reach the potential of our full bloom. Each step is precious and beautiful. As we look at the rose we can see on the outside that petals that have already evolved but in the centre is the life that is still to come to us if we open up our hearts and minds. When I photograph the rose I seek to capture its perfection and the inner beauty and promise of what is to come. If you would like to see some more of my rose photos click on the photo to go to my Picasa site.

Forever in my heart

My darling Dad passed away peacefully on 6 September 2014 after several weeks in hospital. It hurt me to watch him fade. I cried and cried, but I know he is back where he wanted to be - in those fields and paddocks with the love of his life, his wife, my mother. Forever united in love. You will be forever in my heart darling Dad. 26-8-1929 - 6-9-2014.

A tribute

On 26 February 2008, my daughter-in-law's mother died suddenly and unexpectedly from acute promyelocytic leukaemia. There is now a huge gap in the lives of her family. I know she is watching over them.